Suicide and Silence

What leads to Suicide?

There is no single cause of suicide. For one person it may be a result of life stressors. For someone else it may be the result of trying to manage a mental health disorder, such as depression, that has been undiagnosed or under-diagnosed. These are just two possible situations that can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

Is Suicide Preventable?

Anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously. If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call one of the suicide hotlines listed:

800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)

800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

The Deaf Hotline (800-799-4889)

Most people thinking about suicide do not really want to die. Most just see it as a way out of financial burdens, pain, feeling of worthlessness (they typically have a sense of personal failure), helpless (unable to solve problems), and much more. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death, but it is preventable!

In order for suicide to be preventable we must first be able to recognize signs. Most individuals who take their lives exhibit more than one behavior in the way they start acting or talking. Changes in mood, behavior, and talking are common signs to look for if you are concerned about someone.

To see a full list of specific risk and warning signs, please visit the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention website: Factors and Warning Signs.

The warning signs can change with age:

Children and teens may exhibit signs such as neglecting their appearance, giving away meaningful personal items, running away from home, changes in behavior (e.g., cheerful to quiet), risk-taking behaviors such as reckless driving and being sexually promiscuous, withdrawing from friends and family. Warning Signs in Children and Teens

Older adultsmay exhibit some of the same signs as younger adults. Signs might include wanting to be alone a lot more, depression, mental illness, diagnoses of a chronic illness, loss of a spouse. Suicide increases with the age group 65 and older. Warning Signs in Older Adults

Silence is Not the Answer

It has been shown that men tend to stay more silent about suicidal thoughts than women, and the risk for a male to commit suicide is a lot higher than for a female (The Guardian). Some men may feel that sharing their feelings makes them somehow "less of a man," or they may have been raised not to share their feelings because that's "not what men do." Perhaps they were always told to be the "man of the house," take care of their family no matter what and stay strong.

Fear of consequences, stigma, and shame also play a role in both women and men not wanting to talk. They may feel afraid that once people know about their feelings, they may be looked down upon or may not get that promotion at work. They may fear that they will always be perceived as having mental issues.

Talking about your feelings and thoughts should not be a shameful thing! Everyone needs to know this. If you see a change in a loved one, even if they are not talking, then you should speak up for them! They will thank you later.

A lot of times suicidal people want someone to ask them what is wrong—they are seeking attention, and they want to be noticed. If no one says anything or even acknowledges their behavioral changes, this might only strengthen their suicidal thoughts stronger because they feel unwanted, unneeded, and unimportant. If you have lost a loved one, attempted suicide yourself, or know someone who has made an attempt, there is support there for you!

Why Stigma Prevents People from Talking

For every suicide that occurs, there are 25 suicide attempts. - AFSP

2017 Active Poll

Have you or someone you know attempted Suicide?

Do Not Stay Silent, Speak up or Speak up For Someone. They will Thank you later.

Steps to Keeping Someone in Emotional Pain Safe

Ask - Ask the person if they are considering suicide, or having suicidal thoughts. We all know this is not easy, but research shows that this will not increase the thoughts of suicidal thoughts or cause suicide if the question is asked.

Keep Them Safe - Removing anything that they may harm themselves with or keeping them away from certain places is a huge step in keeping your loved one safe.

Be there and Listen - Be there and listen to them, encourage them to talk to you about feelings. Knowing that they have someone there to listen to there feelings and knowing someone cares, and they are no burden could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and suicide all together.

Help Them Connect - Give them the toll-free numbers such as 1-800-8255 (TALK), let them know there is help. If they want to talk to someone besides family, or want to do it on their own. Save the number in their phone, if they are alone and having these thoughts all they have to do is pick up the phone.

Stay Connected - Always stay in touch with someone after a crises or an at risk individual. Just knowing someone is there and cares enough to check on them reduces the number of suicides every year. Most individuals just want to know that someone will always be there and they are cared about.

Facts on Suicide

44,193 people die every year from suicide

For every suicide 25 people attempt

Suicide cost the government 51 billion dollars every year

Men die 3.5x more often then woman do

On average there are 121 suicides every day

Firearms account for almost 50% of all suicides

The rate of suicide is highest in white middle-aged men

Although men are more likely to die from suicide, woman are 3xs more likely to attempt

Say Something

Just remember suicide does not discriminate against age, gender, nationality, or race. It can happen to anyone! It could hit the most happiest person in the world and you not know it! It could be your best friend sitting beside you that has everything anyone could ever want. Just because they seem happy, love life, love their job, does not mean they don't have suicidal thoughts. We as a community need to learn the warning signs and how to notice persons with suicidal intentions or at risk individuals. Remember, suicide is preventable! We just have to know what to look for to make it preventable. Say something and it could save a life!

Just Ask!

More Information

This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for formal and individualized diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed medical professional. Do not stop or alter your current course of treatment. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Questions & Answers

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AUTHOR

Heather Gantt

2 years agofrom Hickory, NC

Yes you are so right on this. I have also been there myself and suffered from depression for over 10 years now. Speaking up is all you have to do!

Denise W Anderson

2 years agofrom Bismarck, North Dakota

It can happen to anyone! It happened to me: the thoughts that I could not ignore, and the vision of them coming into fruition. Thankfully, I had been warned by a friend that it could happen to me and I got help. I learned about the distorted thought patterns that were taking over my mind and how to deal with them. If you think someone is contemplating suicide, speak up!

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